I made a mistake

[Silvergoose]

It has been cold and wet here in Arkansas as of late, but today the sun was out and the temp was reaching into the low 60's.

Anyway, I thought it would be nice to shoot a few rounds at the range, the thought was good the results are not.

I had bought a 15-4 about a week ago and wanted to clean it before going to the range. I had cleaned the other two guns and had started on the 15. Pulling the grips and the yoke screw the process started just fine. Then the trouble, after a thorough cleaning and relube the gun was ready to put back together and head to the range, I can not find the yoke screw. I have looked, even used a floor sweep magnet, gone. Some alien creature has taken the screw. I am sure my failing sight and shaking fingers have had nothing to do with the loss.

Bottom line is it possible to contact S&W and buy a few screws? Can screws be bought through some other supply house, if so who?

Thanks

[ronnie gore]

brownell's sells s&w parts.

[CatSnipah]

Originally Posted by ronnie gore

brownell's sells s&w parts.

This. They have a lot of goodies.

[Jinglebob]

Check with your local gunsmith. He may have one that he would be willing to sell.

[steelslaver]

When I take mine apart I put all the little pieces in a clear plastic container with a snap on lid. The cheap ones they sell at the grocery store. Keeps everything gathered up and easy to see the pieces. I recently lost one of the little pins that go in a rear sight though. Popped out and disappeared.

[dfariswheel]

Since you're probably going to be buying a new Lewis tool anyway, I'd just put the Lewis rod back down the barrel and use a mallet to drive the cleaning head back out.
The rod is large enough to do the job and made of aluminum which won't harm the bore and won't splinter or mushroom on the end.

When using the Lewis tool, the first couple of passes through the bore you unscrew the nut until it's not touching the rubber plug at all.
This allows the rubber plug to compress and slide though heavy leading without sticking.
As the bore comes clean snug the screw very slightly to tighten the fit in the barrel.
Over tightening the nut ruins the rubber plug.

[usnrigger]

I have yoke screws for K-frames if I can find them not sure about how good the finish is, may need to be re-blued. Yes, I know I need to just throw some of my parts in the Hot Salts next month when they fire them up. Let me know and I will look.

USNRigger

[jimmyj]

Missing screw ? look in the most un-likely places.
also check your wiping cloth, inside the yoke, etc.
Next time use a strip of double side tape to place the gun parts on.

[BarkSlayer]

Hit the next garage sale you run across and pick up a dozen sized cupcake baking tray. They are perfect for putting small items in anytime you have something apart.

[varmint243]

I like to use the extra small automotive magnetic parts trays.
There are about $3 at autozone and advance auto

400 series stainless will draw a magnet.

[Hapworth]

Midway has 'em in stock: Smith & Wesson Endshake Screw S&W 10 12 13 14 15 16 19 Blue

A reminder to those who put all the small parts in one container during detail strip: the yoke screw and middle sideplate screw are the same, but aren't identical -- the yoke screw is fitted; careful not to mix them up.

[Hapworth]

Originally Posted by dfariswheel

Since you're probably going to be buying a new Lewis tool anyway...

I think you're aiming for this thread: Help, Lewis Lead Remover stuck in barrel

[Silvergoose]

Thanks for the input. I did not know that the screw I'm looking for is called the endshake screw. Learn something everyday.
I normally use a magnetic tray for the small parts, but I didn't make there with that screw, everything else was there. Thanks again and thanks for the offers of spare screws. I will just check with my local gunsmith and if that fails I will order one or two from MidwayUSA.

[TINCANBANDIT]

buy a new one, the minute it shows up, Murphy will return your old one


Ask me how I know

[TAROMAN]

The new yoke screw is different than the vintage ones and not interchangeable.
I have a extra used yoke screw.
Needs to have burrs on the slot cleaned up, but that's a simple job.
PM me your address and I'll send it to you.

Next time, make one of these. Keeps them in the correct order. Remember the yoke screw is a fitted part.

[CBH44]

Check your magnetic driver tips, too.

[JonF]

It's in the cuff of the pants you wore yesterday.

[H Richard]

Being a former photography nut, I still have several old film containers, (100 ft. bulk film) laying around. They make great parts containers for any time I start tearing down a firearm. All small parts go into the lid, and bigger parts into the bottom half. Also, 500 round pellet tins work great.

[RV4driver]

Just a word about Midway as opposed to Brownells or Numrich, Midway charges a minimum order fee, so unless you're planning on buying a couple of AR mags and some bullets, try the other options.

I love Midway, and he really supports the shooting sports, but that fee turns me away if I only need something small and inexpensive.

[Silvergoose]

I want to thank TaroMan for helping me out of an embarrassing situation.

I have just recently gotten back on line due to a medical problem,(this getting old is hard work). Thank to everyone with suggestions and to publicly acknowledge TaroMan for his help.

I have not seen it on the forum, but I was thinking about a parts exchange between members, comments?

[Cobbler]

When you find that little Alien, please ask him for my stainless grip panel screw for my Para Limited...... I hate gun part steelin' Aliens